STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR ASSOCIATIONS

Simply put, strategic planning determines where an organization is going over the next two to five years,

how it's going to get there and how it'll know if it got there or not. The focus of a strategic plan is usually

on the entire organization, while the focus of a business plan is usually on a particular product, service

or program.

The approach I use in conducting a strategic planning session is a goals-based one, although issuesbased

plans are also common, given our world of increasingly rapid change. Goals-based planning starts

with focus on the organization's mission (and vision and/or values), goals to work toward the mission,

strategies to achieve the goals, and action planning (who will do what , and w hen, and what resources

will be needed). Issues-based strategic planning often starts by examining issues facing the organization,

strategies to address those issues, and action plans.

Here is a list of some of the benefits of an organizational strategic plan:

1.The plan clearly define the purpose of the organization and establishes realistic goals and

objectives consistent with that mission in a defined time frame and within organizational

capacity.

2.The plan communicates those goals and objectives to the organization’s constituents.

3. The plan helps the organization efficiently utilize its resources.

4. The plan provides accountability and measurement of successes.

5. The process of planning encourages group consensus.

6. The plan builds a bridge between staff and leadership.

7. The plan provides the glue that keeps the board together, encourages teamwork, and

overrides personal agendas.

While strategic planning is a process that is often complicated and intense, I also recognize that in

professional associations the time commitment from planners is limited. Thus, much of my work is done

prior to my visit with the planners. An environmental scan and SWOT analysis can be conducted on line

and through telephone calls, and the results of the plan will be presented within two weeks of my visit

for review and approval of the planners. I will also make follow up support calls to association staff

regarding implementation of the plan.

My personal meeting with the planners should be a five hour (minimum) session. Typically I will present

the pre -meeting work, and a brief environmental scan. The planners will then adopt mission and vision

statements, and construct goals and action plans. A written report and implementation plan will be

presented within two weeks.

Cost for the program as outlined above: $1200 plus direct travel expenses.